Under the Radar spotlights new and/or emerging inventions in need of some exposure. We’re printing an expanded version this issue in honor of National Inventors Month. If you have a nascent product you’d like to see highlighted here, e-mail us at [email protected]

Tong You Very Much

tongholderMinnesota inventors Ray and Ann Dockendorf have cooked up a stainless steel tong holder, ideal for kitchen use or for patio grilling. So simple, it’s brilliant.

It won a bronze medal at the 2008 Minnesota Inventors Congress. Party on.

Visit www.raysgadget.com

Talkin’ about a Revolution

ExerciseThis simple yet devilish ankle-mounted wheel of pain seems designed for exercise purists. People who want to push themselves onto the next level of fitness, not next to the remote with the big buttons.

This patent pending trainer builds strength and flexibility for golfers, gymnasts, baseball players, MMA fighters, and paddle sports enthusiasts, to name a few.

Visit www.schallerindustries.com

Earth Wind and Fire

escapesInventor Trent Farrer is debuting patent-pending illuminated sprinkler heads. Fit these lights on your existing sprinkler system, and put on a nighttime water show to rival the Bellagio. Farrer is looking for a licensing deal.

Visit www.oregonscapes.com

Pet-icure

PawPal1-smPeter Baekkelund says his Irish setter Oliver “is perfect in every way.” However, Oliver wouldn’t let Baekkelund file his nails. So Baekkelund invented the Universal Nail Grinder.

This patented nail filing device has a three-position angled head, variable speed control, and can be used with or without a cord. It offers a kinder, gentler way to trim a pet’s nails. It features an adjustable, protective magnifying lens, dust collector, replaceable grinding stones, safety clutch, nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery pack, and carry bag/belt holster.

Visit www.brooksgrove.com

Mad Mask

bushymaskInventor Luis Rodriguez has developed a 3D, see-through novelty mask. From President Obama to Lady Gaga, his MaxMask allows you to don the character you want with no eye cutouts. He says the mask offers improved frontal and peripheral visibility. He’s also looking for a licensing deal.

Visit www.themaxmask.com


H2 – Oh!

Tan with wallet open_DSC01126_1Fashion meets hydration with the Aquabag, a water bottle bag/purse that makes it easier to carry a bottle and keep it insulated.

“Inspired by the need to stay hydrated, I found myself carrying a water bottle, purse, planner, and everything else,” says inventor Cathi Reyes. “Looking for a solution and not finding one, the Aquabag was born.”

Visit www.myaquabag.com

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Editor’s note: This article appears in the August 2010 print edition.